Namkaran invitations: the naming ceremony, the nakshatra syllable, and what to write
Namkaran is the naming ceremony, one of the sixteen samskaras, and it is usually held on the eleventh or twelfth day after birth. Some families hold it later, on the first new moon or at the end of the first month, and a few wait longer for practical reasons.
The part most people find interesting is that the name is often not chosen freely. This page covers how it is decided, what happens at the ceremony, and wording for the invitation.
How the name is chosen
In many families the first syllable of the name is determined by the nakshatra, the birth star, and the specific quarter of it in which the baby was born. Each nakshatra has four padas and each pada is associated with a syllable. The priest works this out from the time and place of birth and offers the family a syllable, sometimes a shortlist.
This is why an aunt occasionally announces that the baby's name must start with Ch or Da, apparently out of nowhere. It is not arbitrary and it is worth asking the priest to explain it, because most families never do.
Plenty of families use the nakshatra syllable for a formal or ritual name and a separate everyday name. Both being real is completely normal.
What happens at the ceremony
- Ganesh puja and havanA short puja to begin, and in many families a small fire ritual.
- The cradleThe baby is placed in a decorated cradle, which is why some communities call it the cradle ceremony.
- The name is whisperedThe father, and in many families the grandmother, whispers the chosen name into the baby's right ear, traditionally four times.
- The name is announcedThen it is said aloud to the gathering, which is the moment everyone has come for.
- BlessingsElders bless the baby, usually with rice, and gifts are given.
- The first sight of the sun and moonSome families include showing the baby the sun or the moon for the first time as part of the day.
What to put on the invitation
- Whether the name is being revealed on the day. Many families keep it secret until the announcement, and guests love knowing there is a reveal coming.
- A realistic time, and keep the function short. A newborn sets the schedule.
- Whether it is a small family puja or a full function. These are very different events and the invitation should not be ambiguous.
- Gift guidance, if any.
- The mother's comfort, if relevant. Some families note that the function is short precisely for this reason, and nobody minds being told.
Namkaran invitation wording you can copy
Copy any of these and change the names, dates and places. They are written to be read out loud, so they sound right on a phone screen too.
She is here, and she finally has a name.
Namkaran ceremony
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
Come and find out what we are calling her.
Shree Ganeshaya Namah
With gratitude for the blessing of a child,
[Parents' names]
invite you to the Namkaran ceremony of their [son / daughter]
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
Your blessings would mean the world to us.
Shree Ganeshaya Namah
Hamare ghar aayi nanhi khushi ke Namkaran Sanskar par,
[Din, Tithi] · [Samay]
[Sthaan]
Aap sabhi sadar aamantrit hain. Aashirwad dene avashya padhaarein.
Namkaran for our little one.
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
Short ceremony, long lunch. No gifts please, just come.
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Questions people actually ask
When is the Namkaran ceremony held?
Traditionally on the eleventh or twelfth day after birth. Some families hold it on the first new moon or at the end of the first month, and later is common for practical reasons.
How is the baby's name chosen?
In many families the first syllable comes from the nakshatra, the birth star, and the pada within it. The priest calculates this from the time and place of birth and offers a syllable or a shortlist.
Can we use a different everyday name?
Yes, and many families do. A formal name from the nakshatra syllable and a separate everyday name is completely normal.
Who whispers the name to the baby?
Traditionally the father, and in many families the grandmother as well, into the baby's right ear, usually four times, before it is announced to everyone.
What is it called in other parts of India?
Barsa in Maharashtra, Namakarana in Kannada, the cradle ceremony or Palanaarohanam in parts of the south, and Chatti or Chhathi in parts of the north. Use whichever name your family uses.